Brunch has become a rite of passage in New York—it’s as if everyone who steps foot in the city is required to find their favorite brunch spot, no matter how crowded.
On Easter Sunday, the expectations are increased exponentially, with restaurateurs, servers, and all staff members fully engaged in an all-hands-on-deck effort to satisfy the hunger pangs of throngs of early eaters. Luckily, the entirety of the NYC restaurant scene is up for the challenge.
Photograph: Balthazar | Website
Manhattan’s iconic French brasserie Balthazar is everyone’s favorite brunch spot—and that means it’s typically crowded and bustling at brunch time. Not overly formal, Balthazar is comfortable and cozy with an eternally classy menu that serves hit after hit breakfast through dinner—this includes their unmatched baked goods like crossians, scones, and sticky buns.
Photograph: The Fulton | Website
The Fulton by Jean-Georges is renowned for its seafood and the restaurant at Pier 17 in the Seaport District serves seafaring cuisine and more for brunch. Semi-fancy with a grand view of the East River, The Fulton is a sprawling two-story restaurant with absolutely remarkable seafood. Dive into the octopus or maybe some scrambled eggs with lobster.
Photograph: Locanda Verde | Website
An especially noteworthy Italian joint in Tribeca, Locanda Verde offers a nice selection of brunch-forward fare, including an excellent selection of savory meals and plenty of cocktails. But be sure to sample from Chef Deb’s Sweet Treats, with decadent temptations such as the homemade cinnamon rolls and a maple-glazed “everything” scone.
Photograph: Minetta Tavern | Website
The picture of old New York in Greenwich Village, Minetta Tavern is laid back and everything you want in a reliable Easter brunch spot. There, you’ll find fantastic brunch favorites such as house-cured salmon tartine, eggs benedict, croque monsieur, and more. But sometimes, all one needs to find happiness is a classic Minetta Burger with cheddar and caramelized onions.
Photograph: Morandi | Facebook
Lively with wall-to-wall action, Morandi is a particular kind of Easter Sunday brunch spot for a particular kind of eater. Morandi offers its rustic Italian trattoria roots to the city from its cozy spot in the heart of the West Village, with dishes that range from the simple sunny-side egg with pancetta and pecorino, to the grand flat-iron steak and eggs.
Photograph: La Goulue | Website
A treasured New York institution on the Upper East Side, La Goulue has enjoyed a renaissance since relocating a mere four blocks from its original location in 2018. Brunch diners can experience the revival for themselves with traditional French fare and an undeniable egalitarian menu of classics that somehow, some way, even weaves into sushi territory.